Background on Michelin and its Relevance in Querétaro
Michelin, a renowned French tire manufacturer, has announced the closure of its plant in Querétaro by the end of 2025. However, the company will continue its presence in the state through other activities.
The plant, established in 2002 and being Michelin’s first in Mexico, has been producing BF Goodrich tires for passenger cars and light trucks. Annually, it manufactures less than half a million tires, which is insufficient to meet the growing market demand for larger-sized tires. The plant lacks the necessary infrastructure to produce these larger tires, leading to Michelin’s decision.
Government Response and Support for Affected Workers
Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, the head of the Secretaría de Desarrollo Sustentable (Sedesu), communicated directly with Matthieu Aubron, CEO of Michelin in Mexico and Central America. Del Prete Tercero emphasized that, despite the closure, Michelin will maintain its corporate headquarters and shared services center in Querétaro, demonstrating continued confidence in the state’s talent and stability.
Del Prete Tercero acknowledged the difficulty of the news, especially considering the 480 employees affected by this decision. He assured that Michelin will support these workers through the transition process, ensuring their rights and providing dignified options.
The state government has committed to supporting the affected workers through the Secretaría del Trabajo, Sedesu, and the Instituto Queretano del Emprendimiento y la Innovación (IQEI). They aim to help workers find real opportunities for re-employment, acquire new skills, or even start their own businesses if desired.
Key Actions and Timeline
- Announcement: Michelin announced on June 9, 2023, that it will close its Querétaro plant by the end of 2025.
- Reason for Closure: The plant’s inability to produce larger-sized tires, which are increasingly demanded by the market for passenger cars and light trucks.
- Current Production: The plant currently manufactures less than half a million BF Goodrich tires annually for passenger cars and light trucks.
- Support for Workers: Michelin and the state government have committed to supporting the 480 affected workers through the transition process, ensuring their rights and providing dignified options.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Michelin closing the Querétaro plant?
A: The primary reason for closing the plant is that it lacks the infrastructure to produce larger-sized tires, which are in higher demand from the market for passenger cars and light trucks.
- Q: How many workers will be affected by this closure?
A: Approximately 480 workers will be affected by the closure of Michelin’s plant in Querétaro.
- Q: What support will Michelin and the state government provide to affected workers?
A: Both Michelin and the state government, through the Secretaría del Trabajo, Sedesu, and IQEI, have committed to supporting the workers by ensuring their rights during the transition process and providing dignified options such as re-employment, skill development, or starting their own businesses.
